Working Alone Legislation for Ontario

Ontario does not have a specific, independent regulation governing workers who operate alone or in isolation across all worksites. Instead, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) establishes general duties that apply to employers and supervisors, including the requirement for employers to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers and to provide appropriate information, instruction and supervision.

Although working alone is not specifically addressed as a distinct hazard under the OHSA, employers are still responsible for identifying and addressing the risks associated with workers working alone. Depending on the workplace and the hazards involved, additional requirements may also apply under Ontario's sector-specific health and safety regulations, including requirements related to workplace violence, emergency protocols, training, supervision or specific high-risk work.

In Ontario, the law doesn’t discuss working alone as a distinct issue. However, all employers, managers and supervisors must do “everything that is reasonable under the circumstances” (Occupational Health & Safety Act, Sec. 25) to ensure that their workers have a healthy and safe workplace. Ensuring that workers working alone are safe is within the scope of the objective of the law.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT, ONTARIO REGULATION 67/93

Health care and residential facilities 2022

Personal Protective Equipment

10. (1) A worker who is required by his or her employer or by this Regulation to wear or use any protective clothing, equipment or device shall be instructed and trained in its care, use and limitations before wearing or using it for the first time and at regular intervals thereafter and the worker shall participate in such instruction and training.

(2) Personal protective equipment that is to be provided, worn or used shall,

(a) be properly used and maintained;

(b) be a proper fit;

(c) be inspected for damage or deterioration; and

(d) be stored in a convenient, clean and sanitary location when not in use.  O. Reg. 67/93, s. 10.